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This month the Washington State Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) will award Rep. Mike Hope (R-Lake Stevens) Legislator of the Year. This is the second time the award has been given; the previous time was in 2010. The association doesn’t bestow the award annually, but rather based on special circumstances. The group was prompted to choose Hope after the passage of the Blue Alert bill, which he sponsored.

“Our association was in support of the Blue Alert legislation. Even before the tragic loss of Trooper Radulescu, Representative Hope was one of the few people to stand up and say this legislation is important for our communities. Once we received the nomination we began to really look at what he has done while in the Legislature. He has an exemplary record for responder safety issues and public safety,” said Richard Kirton, Washington State APCO Treasurer. “We are pleased to give him this award in recognition of his leadership, vision and dedication.”

Hope will receive the award on June 21, 2012 during the APCO summer conference. APCO currently expects 178 participants to attend the conference at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. on June 20-22.

“It’s wonderful to be acknowledged for my dedication to public safety,” Hope said. “But it’s especially valuable to be recognized by people directly impacted by Blue Alert. I’m truly honored.”